The wood lily (Lilium philadelphicum), also known as the red lily or Western red lily, is a beautiful perennial wildflower native to North America. While its vibrant red-orange flowers may be appealing, cat owners should be aware that this plant is highly toxic to cats. Even small ingestions of any part of the wood lily, including the flowers, leaves, stems, or pollen, can cause severe and potentially fatal kidney failure in felines.
This plant is commonly found in deciduous forest openings, prairies, and gardens across the United States and Canada.
Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but is generally not life-threatening.
Ingestion can result in mild symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. Rarely fatal but may require veterinary care.
Eating these plants can lead to more pronounced symptoms like abdominal pain, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Veterinary intervention may be necessary.
Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms like organ damage, seizures, or cardiac failure without rapid treatment.
All parts of these plants are extremely poisonous to cats and can quickly lead to death, even with immediate veterinary care.
** Please note: Please note that toxicity level can vary based on the amount ingested and the specific cat. It's always best to keep these plants completely inaccessible to cats and seek immediate veterinary care or call the poison hotline if you suspect your cat has ingested any part of a toxic plant.
If your cat has ingested any part of a wood lily plant, it is crucial to watch for signs of poisoning. Symptoms typically develop within 6-12 hours after exposure and may include:
If you suspect your cat has ingested a wood lily, seek immediate veterinary care. Your vet will likely follow these steps to diagnose wood lily poisoning:
A: Yes, Wood Lily is extremely harmful to cats. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe kidney failure, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
A: Symptoms of Wood Lily poisoning in cats include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If your cat shows these signs, seek veterinary care without delay.
A: Wood Lily is highly toxic to pets, particularly cats. Even a small amount of ingestion can result in life-threatening kidney damage.
A: Cats can recover from Wood Lily poisoning if they receive immediate and aggressive treatment. However, the chances of recovery decrease significantly if treatment is delayed.
A: It is not safe to grow Wood Lily in a garden with cats due to its extreme toxicity. Consider non-toxic alternatives like catnip or basil to keep your pets safe.
A: If your cat ingests Wood Lily, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Rapid treatment is crucial to prevent fatal kidney damage.
The wood lily is a native plant species found throughout much of the United States and Canada. Native American tribes historically gathered the plant’s bulbs for food and medicinal purposes. The bulbs were cooked and applied to sores, bruises, and wounds, while medicinal teas were made to treat stomach problems, coughs, fevers, and to aid in childbirth.
Despite its historical significance, the wood lily population has declined by over 90% in some regions due to habitat loss, lack of fire, mowing, and herbivory. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore this species and its native habitats.
Please note: The information shared in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as veterinary medical advice.
